Edward Gregson (b 1945) and Alan Bush (1900-1995)

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Edward Gregson and Alan Bush

This week, Donald Macleod is in conversation with British composer, Edward Gregson, who offers a fascinating window into his own story and also the life and work of his mentor, Alan Bush. We’ll see how both composers have made significant contributions to Britain’s musical story, and we explore the events that led to the very different trajectories of their careers.

Edward Gregson knew that classical music would be his life after encountering Brahms’s music as a teenager. He studied composition with Alan Bush, and his natural instinct for melody and brilliant orchestral colour have made him a popular choice with audiences and performers across the world. He also prides himself in rising to a challenge, including taking on the leadership of one of Britain’s major musical conservatoires.

In the early part of the twentieth century, Alan Bush seemed destined to become of the regular stalwarts of Britain’s music scene, alongside his contemporaries William Walton and Michael Tippett. It was not to be. Bush's conversion to communism put him at odds with the British establishment and sent his career in a very different direction. His story is intriguing and frustrating in equal measure but, Edward argues, Bush’s ever-present political agenda shouldn’t detract from the intrinsic quality of his music.

Music Featured:

Gregson: Concerto for Orchestra (III. Toccata) Gregson: Quintet for Brass, (1st mvt) Gregson: Music for Chamber Orchestra (I. Lento maestoso) Gregson: Connotations Gregson: Six Little Pieces for piano (Nos. 1-4) Gregson: The Kings go Forth (I. The Church) Bush: Concert-Piece for cello and piano (opening) Bush: Relinquishment Bush: Dialectic Bush: Piano Concerto (extract) Bush: Symphony No 1 (1st mvt) Gregson: Stepping Out Gregson: Violin Concerto (2nd mvt) Gregson: Shadow of Paradise Gregson: Make a Joyful Noise Gregson: Clarinet Concerto (Part 1) Bush: Three Concert Studies (I. Moto Perpetuo) Bush: Violin Concerto (II. Andante espressivo) Bush: Symphony No 2, ‘The Nottingham Symphony’ (III. ‘Castle Rock’ & IV ‘Goose Fair’) Bush: Voices of the Prophets (Nos. 1-3) Bush: Africa - Symphonic movement for piano and orchestra (extract) Gregson: Symphony in two movements (I. Toccata) Gregson: String Quartet No 1 (1st mvt) Bush: Symphony No 4, ‘Lascaux Symphony’ (II. ‘The Children’) Gregson: Dream Song

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Wales

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Edward Gregson (b 1945) and Alan Bush (1900-1995) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014g7k

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z